Escoto Nets Overtime Game-Winning Goal In 3-2 Win
Brandon Escoto's deflected overtime game-winning goal capped a late San Diego rally to edge the Ontario Fury 3-2 at Ron Newman Field at Pechanga Arena San Diego. The first-place Sockers improved to 6-1 on the season and 3-0 in overtime contests.
The game was a defensive battle featuring two of the best goalkeepers in the league. San Diego's Boris Pardo and Ontario's Chris Toth made spectacular saves throughout the match showcasing their skills. Toth was the busiest of the two saving 21 of the 35 shots he faced. Pardo was his equal making 13 saves on 15 shots.
For Ontario, the winning goal was unfortunate as Escoto's shot from the left corner deflected off a Fury defender and looped over Toth into the goal. For Escoto, the goal helped him reach the 100 point milestone in his career.
Before the extra session, it looked like Ontario was going to shut out the Sockers. The Fury tallied once in the first period and again early in the fourth for a 3-0 lead which they kept until Luis Ortega (1-0=1) scored with 7:39 remaining. The equalizer came at 10:54 on a set play from a corner kick. Kraig Chiles (0-1=1) found Escoto (2-0=2) at the top of the arc and he rifled a laser shot into the upper right corner. The crowd of 2,732 erupted in delight.
Escoto extended his point streak to seven games and Chiles has tallied a point in the six games he has played in this season.
The teams will not have to wait long for the rematch, Ontario returns to San Diego on Friday, January 11, 7:35 p.m. for Retro and $2 Bud Light Night. The Sockers will be wearing their iconic 1980's era uniform to celebrate the Club's 40th anniversary. Single game and group tickets are on sale now by calling 866-799-GOAL (4625) by visiting Sockers.com or AXS.com (Search: Sockers).